Education in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire is one of the most highly performing education authorities in England. Schools consistently achieve standards well above national averages. With an emphasis on wellbeing and inclusivity, Herts schools, settings and trusts enable every child to thrive. Teach in Herts and get a rich, all-round experience!

By choosing to teach in Hertfordshire you can be assured that, if you are committed and ambitious, you will be fully supported throughout your teaching career, whatever your position and whatever your career aspirations.

At the end of June 2025:

85.8% of Herts primary schools were graded good or better for both Leadership & Management and Quality of Education

91.5% of Herts secondary schools were graded good or better for both Leadership & Management and Quality of Education

Schools & settings

Browse Herts schools and settings here

Understanding education in England

Understanding Key Stages

Schools in England are organised into phases known as Key Stages. These help define the age groups and curriculum taught within different school settings. Typically, Key Stages 1 and 2 are taught within primary schools, while Key Stages 3 and 4 are delivered in secondary schools. Key Stage 5 education may take place in a school sixth form or a college setting.

Starting your career in education

There are many routes into working in education, whether you aspire to be a teacher, teaching assistant, SEND practitioner, school leader or support professional.

To work as a teacher in England, you will usually need to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and complete your Early Career Teacher (ECT) induction.

Many other school-based roles do not require QTS and offer valuable opportunities to support children and young people in a range of settings.

All school appointments are subject to robust safer recruitment procedures, including relevant pre-employment checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). If you are applying from overseas, you must also have the right to work in the UK. We would recommend you look at the government right to work page to check your eligibility.

Where could you work?

Hertfordshire offers opportunities across a diverse range of schools and education settings, allowing you to find a role that matches your experience, ambitions and interests. Whether you are passionate about early years development, primary education, specialist SEND provision, secondary teaching or leadership, there is a setting that is right for you.

Types of school and settings in Hertfordshire

Primary schools educate children aged 4 to 11 and help build the foundations for future learning. Teachers typically work across a broad curriculum and play an important role in supporting children's academic, social and emotional development.

Across Hertfordshire, you'll find a diverse range of primary settings, including village schools, larger urban schools, nursery schools, infant schools and junior schools.

Secondary schools educate young people aged 11 to 16, with many also offering sixth-form provision for students aged 16 to 18. Teachers typically specialise in a particular subject area and have opportunities to contribute to curriculum development, pastoral support and extracurricular activities.

Hertfordshire's secondary schools range from large comprehensive settings and specialist schools to schools within Multi-Academy Trusts, offering a wide variety of career pathways and professional development opportunities.

All through schools provide education from the early years or primary phase through to secondary education, enabling pupils to benefit from a seamless learning journey.

For staff, these settings can offer unique opportunities to collaborate across age ranges and phases, supporting children throughout their educational development.

Academies and Multi-Academy Trusts

Academies are state-funded schools that operate independently of the local authority. Many are part of Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), which bring schools together to share expertise, resources and professional development opportunities.

Maintained schools are funded and supported by the local authority and form an important part of Hertfordshire's education landscape. They work closely with their local communities and provide a wide range of opportunities for both pupils and staff.

Faith schools have a religious character and may be linked to a particular faith community. Hertfordshire is home to a range of faith schools, including Church of England, Catholic and Jewish schools, which welcome staff and pupils from diverse backgrounds.

Special Schools support children and young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Staff work closely with pupils, families and other professionals to help every child achieve their potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Alternative Provision and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) support young people who may be unable to attend mainstream school for a variety of reasons. These settings provide tailored education and specialist support to help pupils succeed both academically and personally.

Education Support Centres provide specialist support and education for pupils who require additional intervention to help them remain engaged in learning and make positive progress.

Independent Schools are funded through fees rather than government funding. They offer a variety of educational approaches and often provide opportunities to work within distinctive learning environments.

Early Years Settings

Hertfordshire has a wide range of Early Years settings, including nurseries, pre-schools and school-based provision. These roles focus on supporting children's development during their most important early years of learning and growth.

 Why choose Hertfordshire?

With hundreds of schools and settings across the county, Hertfordshire offers opportunities for education professionals at every stage of their career. From Early Years practitioners and Teaching Assistants to Headteachers and specialist SEND professionals, you'll find a supportive education community committed to helping both staff and pupils thrive.

Whether you're starting out, seeking progression or considering a move, Hertfordshire provides an outstanding environment in which to build your future